Ferrari F430

The Ferrari F430 integrates F1-racing technology into its powertrain, chassis and body aerodynamics to bring racing performance to the road. This is a blisteringly fast and stonkingly hi-tech bit of kit, made all the more so by the uncompromising, and uncompromisingly pricey,No mid-engine supercar is going to be terribly practical and the F430 is no exception.The F430 is available with either the classic Ferrari open-gate manual gearbox or with the F1 paddle shift that Ferrari has continuously developed and refined over recent years for its road-going berlinettas.The twin air intakes on the nose are typical of a modern supercar, but here they are also redolent of the 1961 Formula One 'sharknose' Ferrari's snout. The side intakes just below the windows are like those of a 1965 250 LM, while the tail-lights, surfacing above the rear panel like emerging whales, mimic the Enzo's.

The F430 features a new cast-aluminum transmission casing that houses the gearbox in unit with the electronic differential and bevel type final drive, as well as the engine oil tank. The 6-speed gearbox incorporates multicone synchronizers, while both the 6th gear and the final drive have been lengthened to make the most of the greater power and torque of the new engine.The F430’s interior has been re-designed for improved driver ergonomics. The instruments are housed in a new binnacle, and this design together with the layout of the dashboard underlines the care that has gone into grouping all the major controls in front of the driver within easy reach. In the driver’s direct line of sight are the rev counter, which features new graphics with a choice of either a red or yellow background and a new metal surround, the digital readout of the gear ratio selected (F1 version) and a multi-function display.